The Ben Folds Orchestral Experience with the Columbus Symphony delighted a sold-out crowd last
night in Columbus Commons.

Pianist-singer Folds played both halves of the concert and had rich charts for the symphony on
each of his quirky songs. By the end of the show, he had won over both the loud talkers (no one
came to hear you) and those who never heard of him.

You could tell the symphony appreciated Folds’ effort because there were smiles all around, even
on the faces of some of the dourest string players. Wearing nerdy glasses and a suit, Folds smiled
back.

Helping Folds were a few secret weapons. One was maestro Albert-George Schram, conducting for a
35th season with the symphony. Another was percussionist Sam Smith, who went unnoticed until Folds
introduced him. Finally, there was Kerry Marsh, who sang and conducted a seven-person local choir
that was obscured by a stage column.

That choir started by singing, “If there is a God, he is laughing at us and our football team.”
The beginning of Folds’ song
Effington gave even the folks in the front some indication this was not going to be an
ordinary pops show.

Once one heard the collaboration with author Nick Hornby’s
Picture Window, it became apparent that Folds, 47, is a cross between Wayne Coyne (The
Flaming Lips) and Randy Newman — a pop genius who loves lush, orchestrated works. Other cool songs
included
Landed,
Annie Waits and
Brick.

“How about my band tonight,” Folds said of the symphony. “They’re one of the best. You can be
proud of them.”

Folds gave a speech about why we need orchestras. Symphonies symbolized the epitome of
civilization, i.e., people working together. “If you go to a town without an orchestra or a bad
orchestra, it’s a crappy town,” Folds said. He said his concert was a wet t-shirt contest compared
to all the cool stuff the symphony will play during the regular season. Full disclosure: Folds is
on the board of directors of the Nashville Symphony.